Police incident with teenager in Exeter car park

The DevonLive Shatter the Silence campaign aims to encourage anyone struggling to reach out and talk – whether to a friend, relative, charity or professional. Our campaign content will highlight how important speaking up is and the difference it can make.

Ultimately, we want to reduce the number of people dying by suicide in Devon. We’ll highlight where to get help and show how talking has helped people get through difficult times in their lives. We will speak to families who have lost loved ones to explore the lasting impact of suicide and try to dispel the inaccurate belief that many people who struggle show that they are a burden to the ones they love. We will look at the devastation caused to those left behind in the hope that even one reader might change their mind if they consider taking their own life.

We will talk to people who have survived a suicide attempt and accessed counseling or other mental health services to show that things can get better. We’ll be talking to Samaritan volunteers about their vital work in Devon and how they’re on hand 24-7 to listen. And we’ll provide guidance on what to say to someone who’s struggling so people feel more confident about having that conversation.

Do you have a relevant story to share? Email [email protected].

WHERE TO GET HELP:

Samaritan offers support in a range of ways, including a self-help app, email or call support 116 123 free 24 hours a day

NHS Gives advice on how to access mental health support

WORK is a free-to-access NHS service providing a variety of treatments and support for adults (over 18) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth)

CALM provide a free and confidential helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems

HUB OF HOPE is a mental health support database that can point you to local support services

ANDY MAN’S CLUB it gives men a chance to talk to like-minded people. They have clubs in Devon as well as nationally

KOOTH & QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online support for mental wellbeing, including moderated peer support forums and text-based advice, to all residents living in Devon (aged 11+)

PETE’S DRAGONS to provide free access support to all residents living in Devon who may have been bereaved by suicide at any point in their lives

THE BITTER is an emotional support service that provides telephone and face-to-face support through a direct service at its bases in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay. It is a non-clinical service but provides emotional support, signposting to other services and other general support which is tailored to the people accessing it.

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